I'm cute, feed me!
Please?
Mmm, love da bones!
Cushings belly
Pretty girl!
cookie please!
I said please...
Waiting
I'm a cutie!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Pics of Molly
Here are some quick pics of Molly.... the camera really helped her out in a few of these!
I'm cute, feed me!
Please?
Mmm, love da bones!
Cushings belly
Pretty girl!
cookie please!
I said please...
Waiting
I'm a cutie!
I'm cute, feed me!Please?Mmm, love da bones!
Cushings belly
Pretty girl!
cookie please!
I said please...
Waiting
I'm a cutie!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Molly has arrived
So our newest foster form NEBTR is finally here... Molly. She's an owner surrender and I think she's going to fit in nicely.
She's a little cutie... mostly boston mixed with a little bit of something else. She's almost 11 (birthday on Aug 29th) and I think she's going to fit in pretty well over here. She has cushing's so she's going to need some medication and be closely monitored, but other than that she seems like a pretty laid back and easy going girl.
She definitely is drinking a lot, which will mean more potty trips. Her meds are almost where there need to be, so when we get those straightened out and upped to where they need to be, her drinking (and hunger) should subside.
She was a quiet little angel on the 1.5 hr ride home this evening in her crate. Her little ears were perked, but she relaxed the entire ride. As soon as we shut the car off, she was up and ready to go. She was given a light dinner when we got home and then the 4 of us were off on our first walk.
Her back end it a little weak (which could be because of the Cushings or just lack of exercise). We hope to improve that with some consistent exercise. Starting slowly and then systematically building her up.
Our introductions are as slow as we can muster in this house. Some walking together and then Molly stayed with one of us in the house while Tink bumped around. Now Tink's on the couch and Molly is exploring the living area and is chewing on a bone. We have a harness and leash on her, but the leash will probably come off in the next day or so. A vet appointment this week to see where we're at with her health and condition and away we go!
It appears our little retirement community is growing and thriving! Pics to follow soon!
She's a little cutie... mostly boston mixed with a little bit of something else. She's almost 11 (birthday on Aug 29th) and I think she's going to fit in pretty well over here. She has cushing's so she's going to need some medication and be closely monitored, but other than that she seems like a pretty laid back and easy going girl.
She definitely is drinking a lot, which will mean more potty trips. Her meds are almost where there need to be, so when we get those straightened out and upped to where they need to be, her drinking (and hunger) should subside.
She was a quiet little angel on the 1.5 hr ride home this evening in her crate. Her little ears were perked, but she relaxed the entire ride. As soon as we shut the car off, she was up and ready to go. She was given a light dinner when we got home and then the 4 of us were off on our first walk.
Her back end it a little weak (which could be because of the Cushings or just lack of exercise). We hope to improve that with some consistent exercise. Starting slowly and then systematically building her up.
Our introductions are as slow as we can muster in this house. Some walking together and then Molly stayed with one of us in the house while Tink bumped around. Now Tink's on the couch and Molly is exploring the living area and is chewing on a bone. We have a harness and leash on her, but the leash will probably come off in the next day or so. A vet appointment this week to see where we're at with her health and condition and away we go!
It appears our little retirement community is growing and thriving! Pics to follow soon!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tinker Loves her Mommy!
So I had the privilege of joining 70 5th graders on their summer Survivor Camp experience. It was an absolute blast! Tink however, didn't appreciate that I left her with her Daddy for 2.5 days (and a transport dog that spent 2 nights here, but that's another story!)
Nick came to pick me up at the church sunday evening and brought the little Stinker along with him. She was so content to let me hold her in my arms : ) She glued herself to me the rest of the night. Bedtime came around and she refused to settle on her bed. I didn't even get her all the way on the bed and she was down glued to my side ALL NIGHT LONG! She didn't move from me. We had the best night sleep in such a long while! She was just making sure that I wasn't going any where!
On another positive note, Tink continues to do very well. We've been feeding Tink mostly a homemade diet which she loves; in addition, her calcium and her Kidney supplement came last week. We've been adding them slowly to her diet but they appear to be helping as we've had no accidents in the house in the past 4 days or so and she is making it through the night with much more regularity! She is doing so well and seems happy too. Now if we could just get rid of some of this humidity she would be even more thrilled as walks are pretty torturous even to the dumpster and back.
It's sooo good to be home with my Nicholas and of course with my little Tinker too.
Nick came to pick me up at the church sunday evening and brought the little Stinker along with him. She was so content to let me hold her in my arms : ) She glued herself to me the rest of the night. Bedtime came around and she refused to settle on her bed. I didn't even get her all the way on the bed and she was down glued to my side ALL NIGHT LONG! She didn't move from me. We had the best night sleep in such a long while! She was just making sure that I wasn't going any where!
On another positive note, Tink continues to do very well. We've been feeding Tink mostly a homemade diet which she loves; in addition, her calcium and her Kidney supplement came last week. We've been adding them slowly to her diet but they appear to be helping as we've had no accidents in the house in the past 4 days or so and she is making it through the night with much more regularity! She is doing so well and seems happy too. Now if we could just get rid of some of this humidity she would be even more thrilled as walks are pretty torturous even to the dumpster and back.
It's sooo good to be home with my Nicholas and of course with my little Tinker too.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Tinker and her quest for venison meatloaf
So Nick and I were up late on Friday night preparing food for his grad party and then he watched the Philly's game while I researched kidney failure and ordered a few supplements for Tink. While we're up, a post comes across on freecycle: venison meat for dog food. We reply stating we're interested and can pick up on Saturday morning. Great. It's ours.
We were just talking about cooking more for Tink to help her body out which is why I was buying more supplements (calcium and a Wysong Biotic PH plus.) Nick and I were thinking 5, maybe 10lbs of meat. We were excited because no sooner had we discussed a plan, God was already helping to provide an affordable way to do this.
We showed up saturday morning and had 4 bags full of meat. Nick weighed it all when we came home. Over 50 lbs of venison is shoved in our freezer (ok, 45, we cooked with 5 lbs this weekend.) I did some research about how long meat can be frozen and we should be just fine. Everything smells and tastes fine and she is LOVING it! here are some pictures we took just after her meatloafs came out of the oven. As you will see Tink is IN the kitchen. She doesn't venture in there very often unless something VERY yummy is in there and she can't wait! She was even nudging my leg like "will you hurry up, Mom!"
Wrong way baby girl
mmmm! That's the stuff!
Of course everything had to be Tinker tested and approved!
She hasn't come up for air yet, i think she approves!
We were just talking about cooking more for Tink to help her body out which is why I was buying more supplements (calcium and a Wysong Biotic PH plus.) Nick and I were thinking 5, maybe 10lbs of meat. We were excited because no sooner had we discussed a plan, God was already helping to provide an affordable way to do this.
We showed up saturday morning and had 4 bags full of meat. Nick weighed it all when we came home. Over 50 lbs of venison is shoved in our freezer (ok, 45, we cooked with 5 lbs this weekend.) I did some research about how long meat can be frozen and we should be just fine. Everything smells and tastes fine and she is LOVING it! here are some pictures we took just after her meatloafs came out of the oven. As you will see Tink is IN the kitchen. She doesn't venture in there very often unless something VERY yummy is in there and she can't wait! She was even nudging my leg like "will you hurry up, Mom!"
Wrong way baby girl
I'm waiting mom....
mmmm! That's the stuff!
Of course everything had to be Tinker tested and approved!
She hasn't come up for air yet, i think she approves!
She has been so excited about her food! We still give a tiny bit of kibble, but with all the research and reading, it seems home cooked is the way to go. And with venison, why not? We substituted rice instead of oats in the meatloaf because i guess oats are high in phosphorus and that is what I am trying to avoid! The venison was already ground and appears to be a bit greasy, again which is better for her and her kidneys. Lots of cabbage, carrots, some fennel too! Mix a little cottage cheese and her longevity and voila! A tasty treat fit for Tinker!
Her body especially needs more calcium now, so a supplement is a must! (they should be here by friday.) She's making it through some nights and not others. But some is better than none! She seems pretty content, although getting comfy this evening is proving a little challenging for her : ) My little heart dog is such a joy in our lives.
Her body especially needs more calcium now, so a supplement is a must! (they should be here by friday.) She's making it through some nights and not others. But some is better than none! She seems pretty content, although getting comfy this evening is proving a little challenging for her : ) My little heart dog is such a joy in our lives.
New Tink Pics 8-4-09
Nick took some pics of Tink sleeping over by the TV last week.... she's been lounging wherever quite contently it seems...
The eye is watching.
Beautiful Little One
So Content.
my grandma, what a big nose you have....
The eye is watching.
Beautiful Little One
So Content.
Dad, just cause I'm sleeping doesn't mean I don't know you're here!
Look at that squishy little face : )
my grandma, what a big nose you have....
Last Pics with Parker, Part 2
Parker apparently likes to snuggle with me better than sit and stay for Nick : )
Just love on me....
Cookie?
playing with his legs : )
Happy Smiles
Just love on me....
Cookie?
playing with his legs : )
Happy Smiles
Last Pics with Parker, Part 1
So per tradition, the last week of our foster being with us, we try to take some nice pics of him.... not so successful with Parker Baby....
I think Nick is mid "stay".... not sure how successful that was
Yeah, all they wanted was the food.... and yes Tink is wearing Mardi Gras beads....
Nick's idea, don't ask. Isn't she pretty?
I think Nick is mid "stay".... not sure how successful that was
Yeah, all they wanted was the food.... and yes Tink is wearing Mardi Gras beads....
Nick's idea, don't ask. Isn't she pretty?
Parker Shark.....
Going back through Older Pics....
So I was going through our camera and thought it might be nice to down load some pics that have been sitting there! Here's Parker during a thunderstorm.....
High ground...must...get....to...higher....ground....
Stupid people....look at all this STUFF!
the closet is totally safe
What are you looking at?!??!
...Contently sleeping!
High ground...must...get....to...higher....ground....
Stupid people....look at all this STUFF!
the closet is totally safe
What are you looking at?!??!
And while Parker is panicking in the closet (since he wasn't allowed on the furniture) Tink is doing the following....
...Contently sleeping!
Zzzzzzzz.....
A storm? no way....
mmm, comfy bed.....
Friday, July 31, 2009
Time for the Happy Dance!
I spoke with Dr. Haver about Tink's blood work this afternoon. He is very impressed with her numbers for her age! (we can blame that on her good diet and consistent exercise!!!) Her thyroid numbers look fabulous and I was afraid he was going to say we still haven't found the issue but...
...her kidney numbers are slightly elevated, enough that it could be causing her to drink and pee more. He said there is nothing medically that we need to do right now. He did recommend feeding her a diet consisting of 20% or less protein to start. (I did just a bit of research yesterday and we're going to play around with more home made diet stuff first I think....it may be more of a phosphorus issue than a protein issue, but we shall see)
So that's that. There are some really good supplements to help support and help her kidneys including b complex vitamins, Vitamin C (ester variety : ), omega 3's, etc.... so we're going to pick up a few items to see if we can help her little body out.
All in all, fabulous news! We'll see if we can help her little body need less water so we can slow the peeing in the house and going out in the middle of the night, but if not, at least we know at this point it's not life threatening. She's just aging, and apparently quite gracefully!
This little dog makes my heart smile so much! And now i have a new project to research and learn more about. We'll see how we can help her be as comfortable as possible : )
No more testing, no more waiting...still lots of spoiling, but now I will be much more conscious about the protein level in the treats.... of course the duck and turkey treats are 60% and 70% protein respectively!!! Ha, in moderation until they are gone...
Love me some Tink!!!
...her kidney numbers are slightly elevated, enough that it could be causing her to drink and pee more. He said there is nothing medically that we need to do right now. He did recommend feeding her a diet consisting of 20% or less protein to start. (I did just a bit of research yesterday and we're going to play around with more home made diet stuff first I think....it may be more of a phosphorus issue than a protein issue, but we shall see)
So that's that. There are some really good supplements to help support and help her kidneys including b complex vitamins, Vitamin C (ester variety : ), omega 3's, etc.... so we're going to pick up a few items to see if we can help her little body out.
All in all, fabulous news! We'll see if we can help her little body need less water so we can slow the peeing in the house and going out in the middle of the night, but if not, at least we know at this point it's not life threatening. She's just aging, and apparently quite gracefully!
This little dog makes my heart smile so much! And now i have a new project to research and learn more about. We'll see how we can help her be as comfortable as possible : )
No more testing, no more waiting...still lots of spoiling, but now I will be much more conscious about the protein level in the treats.... of course the duck and turkey treats are 60% and 70% protein respectively!!! Ha, in moderation until they are gone...
Love me some Tink!!!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Update from Tink's 7/30 Vet Visit
So Tink and I made the drive out to Leola this morning to visit Dr. Haver and have some more tests done. Dr. Haver said that Tink looks the best she's looked! He loves her skin & coat, her weight is perfect (a whopping 13.6 lbs) and overall she looks very good. He even asked what we're feeding her! And again he smiled that "you spoil her look" when i said that we make a meatloaf that we mix in to her food : )
OK, so the test results. The urine test indicated she does NOT have diabetes. He said that while both the diabetes and cushings are not likely, they still can't be ruled out completely. He did say that they move way down the list of possibilities though. He ran some blood work to check kidneys and I think thyroid (although it could be pituitary gland? All the organs are getting mushed in my brain!) We'll have those results tomorrow.
Apparently Cushings and Diabetes are the two toughest to treat. Kidney failure is easier to help her body function comfortably for a long as possible...? I need to do some research tonight and see what the heck I should be looking for in her!
I'm really praying that this is the last of the tests and that something will come back with an answer...if not, I'm really going to need to stop and examine what else it could be and the risks associated if we don't pursue them...
But for now, so far, all good news. Tink was less than thrilled about them taking blood from her though! The dehydrated turkey was little consolation (although she didn't turn it down!)
Here's to some good news (and some answers) tomorrow!
OK, so the test results. The urine test indicated she does NOT have diabetes. He said that while both the diabetes and cushings are not likely, they still can't be ruled out completely. He did say that they move way down the list of possibilities though. He ran some blood work to check kidneys and I think thyroid (although it could be pituitary gland? All the organs are getting mushed in my brain!) We'll have those results tomorrow.
Apparently Cushings and Diabetes are the two toughest to treat. Kidney failure is easier to help her body function comfortably for a long as possible...? I need to do some research tonight and see what the heck I should be looking for in her!
I'm really praying that this is the last of the tests and that something will come back with an answer...if not, I'm really going to need to stop and examine what else it could be and the risks associated if we don't pursue them...
But for now, so far, all good news. Tink was less than thrilled about them taking blood from her though! The dehydrated turkey was little consolation (although she didn't turn it down!)
Here's to some good news (and some answers) tomorrow!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Happy Tails Book-- Not to late to order a copy!
It's not too late to order a copy of this fabulous book and support Boston Terrier Rescue in the process! Tink and many, many other great dogs are featured in this book! Order before August and double the normal amount will be donated to the rescues featured!!!
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| NEW bumper Stickers!
THANK YOU to everyone who contributed! The number of stories we received for this book was profound, so much so that we were not able to include every story. If you submitted but haven't heard from us, we apologize, but we were not able to include your dog in this edition. However, we'll keep your story on file, as it looks like we might need to do a second edition! We hope that you will still support this effort by picking up a book - the stories are heartfelt and thought provoking! ------------------------------------------ The following rescue groups were responsible for making this book a success. Thank you!
PARTICIPATE IN OUR NEXT BOOK: "Lost Souls: FOUND! Inspirational Stories of Adopted GOLDEN RETRIEVERS!" Do you know anyone with a great story about their adopted Golden Retriever? Please let them know we want to hear it! The deadline for submissions is July 30th, 2009. Further information and submission guidelines can be found at HappyTailsBooks.com.
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Tinker's Creatinine/Cortisol Test Results are in....
...Tinker does NOT have Cushing's Disease! I am so relieved! (I can't imagine working with 2 dogs simultaneously with Cushing's; I think one is going to present enough challenges!)
So while this is good news, we still don't know why Tink is presenting with the symptoms that she has. We have a vet appointment for her on Thursday morning to do some blood work and a urine analysis to check for diabete's and kidney issues. I'm really hoping that these are the last tests that need to be done for her. I'm praying for some answers from these tests that provide some clear guidelines to help Tink live as comfortable and happy as she can be!
She's been romping around in the back field like a little puppy when we go out the past few days. It's one of those things that I HAVE to smile and giggle when I watch her play like a little pup. When I don't think my heart can love her any more, it grows to fit those small moments of Tinker joy.
She made it until 5am 2 nights ago and 6am this morning before she really needed to go out and pee. I'm hoping we can stretch her just until 7, but if not, we'll do what we need to... although this broken sleep thing (cause she moves around in the middle of the night poking her little paws into me) is for the birds!
So that's the good news for tonight! We'll keep everyone posted and updated as we figure out what is going on with the one and only Miss Tink!
So while this is good news, we still don't know why Tink is presenting with the symptoms that she has. We have a vet appointment for her on Thursday morning to do some blood work and a urine analysis to check for diabete's and kidney issues. I'm really hoping that these are the last tests that need to be done for her. I'm praying for some answers from these tests that provide some clear guidelines to help Tink live as comfortable and happy as she can be!
She's been romping around in the back field like a little puppy when we go out the past few days. It's one of those things that I HAVE to smile and giggle when I watch her play like a little pup. When I don't think my heart can love her any more, it grows to fit those small moments of Tinker joy.
She made it until 5am 2 nights ago and 6am this morning before she really needed to go out and pee. I'm hoping we can stretch her just until 7, but if not, we'll do what we need to... although this broken sleep thing (cause she moves around in the middle of the night poking her little paws into me) is for the birds!
So that's the good news for tonight! We'll keep everyone posted and updated as we figure out what is going on with the one and only Miss Tink!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Tink's Great Saturday
Tinker had a great day yesterday. She was active and alert. She put her little front paws up on me begging for some treats and attention; she hasn't done that is a while. She romped around in the wet grass on her morning walk, cantering and frolicking; again, it's been a while since we've seen that last.
I made Tink homemade meatloaf after a morning of grocery shopping and she had a fabulous dinner of meatloaf and cottage cheese last night. Of course she taste tested earlier in the day and approved the dinner menu selection for the evening : )
When we came home from our nice evening with Linds and Jason, she rang her dinner bell for an encore meal, which of course, she was treated to some more yummies. She walked fabulously in the evening acting all spry and nimble.
She didn't want to settle down to sleep in the evening, so of course she found herself in bed. She promptly fell asleep snuggled up tight against me. She slept until 7am this morning : )
Yay for a happy Tinker day : ) here's to a happy Tinker Sunday!
I made Tink homemade meatloaf after a morning of grocery shopping and she had a fabulous dinner of meatloaf and cottage cheese last night. Of course she taste tested earlier in the day and approved the dinner menu selection for the evening : )
When we came home from our nice evening with Linds and Jason, she rang her dinner bell for an encore meal, which of course, she was treated to some more yummies. She walked fabulously in the evening acting all spry and nimble.
She didn't want to settle down to sleep in the evening, so of course she found herself in bed. She promptly fell asleep snuggled up tight against me. She slept until 7am this morning : )
Yay for a happy Tinker day : ) here's to a happy Tinker Sunday!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thoughts
So we won't have the results of the creatinine/cortisol test until early next week which leaves us waiting for a few days...
Tink had a very nice day yesterday. She was alert and very ready and willing to walk both in the morning and in the evening. We had some nice snuggle and treat time (and some teeth brushing thrown in for good measure.) Nick is really making sure that she gets LOTS of treats and as a result, we're gonna have to cut Tink's kibble just a hair... She is thoroughly enjoying the extra spoiling. Which reminds me, on our grocery shopping excursions this weekend, I'd like to pick up the necessary fixins' for some meatloaf for the little one.
Tink was slightly less active today than yesterday and didn't want to walk this evening. She walked ok this morning though. I want to make sure that when we walk, there is plenty of time for her to sniff and take our time enjoying being outside.
We realized a day or so ago, that in the middle of the night when Tink gets up and then doesn't settle in bed (resulting in a long night of walking up every 30 min or so) that she really needs to pee. So we've been getting up in the wee (ha, pun intended) hours of the morning to give her a potty break.
I also realized (apparently Nick has known for a while...) that the beautiful bed that I made Tink a while ago now, is not her favorite. She nests on all the other beds in the house and seeks them out (up to several times) after being placed on the bed in the back for the night. So last night we came up with the bright idea of putting one of her favorite nesting beds and on top of the other bed...wouldn't ya know! It combined the best of both worlds, softness AND a head rest. Heaven here on earth : ) We compared it to a pillow top mattress : ) She settled right down and slept until 4am this morning (as opposed to 12:30-1am.)
I want to keep these posts as upbeat yet as honest as possible. She's currently sleeping here right nex to me all warm and snuggly : ) We're watching one of Nick's favorites America's Funniest Videos. Unfortunately Tinker doesn't appreciate the humor quite the same way he does. We could hear him laughing all the way down the stairs on Tink's last potty break; we just shook our heads and smiled.
Ha, ok so now i'm just rambling about randomness... And we're soon off to sleepy time....here's to a fun filled weekend and some good news on the other side...
Tink had a very nice day yesterday. She was alert and very ready and willing to walk both in the morning and in the evening. We had some nice snuggle and treat time (and some teeth brushing thrown in for good measure.) Nick is really making sure that she gets LOTS of treats and as a result, we're gonna have to cut Tink's kibble just a hair... She is thoroughly enjoying the extra spoiling. Which reminds me, on our grocery shopping excursions this weekend, I'd like to pick up the necessary fixins' for some meatloaf for the little one.
Tink was slightly less active today than yesterday and didn't want to walk this evening. She walked ok this morning though. I want to make sure that when we walk, there is plenty of time for her to sniff and take our time enjoying being outside.
We realized a day or so ago, that in the middle of the night when Tink gets up and then doesn't settle in bed (resulting in a long night of walking up every 30 min or so) that she really needs to pee. So we've been getting up in the wee (ha, pun intended) hours of the morning to give her a potty break.
I also realized (apparently Nick has known for a while...) that the beautiful bed that I made Tink a while ago now, is not her favorite. She nests on all the other beds in the house and seeks them out (up to several times) after being placed on the bed in the back for the night. So last night we came up with the bright idea of putting one of her favorite nesting beds and on top of the other bed...wouldn't ya know! It combined the best of both worlds, softness AND a head rest. Heaven here on earth : ) We compared it to a pillow top mattress : ) She settled right down and slept until 4am this morning (as opposed to 12:30-1am.)
I want to keep these posts as upbeat yet as honest as possible. She's currently sleeping here right nex to me all warm and snuggly : ) We're watching one of Nick's favorites America's Funniest Videos. Unfortunately Tinker doesn't appreciate the humor quite the same way he does. We could hear him laughing all the way down the stairs on Tink's last potty break; we just shook our heads and smiled.
Ha, ok so now i'm just rambling about randomness... And we're soon off to sleepy time....here's to a fun filled weekend and some good news on the other side...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Let's talk about TInker's....
....health.
I've been avoiding this issue for the most part while blogging, but now it seems like the time has come. I also hesitate to write this because everyone has a different opinion on how things can (or should) be handled. What follows are my current thoughts, feelings, and some knowledge of what is going on. My ideas and plans will change as the information and data we get changes, but my goal is the same: to keep Tink comfortable and pain free.
Some of you know that it looks as if we will be fostering a 10 year old BT mix beginning in mid August. She has just been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. Well, we've been keeping an eye on Tinker for a while for this same disease and while doing some more research for Molly, I have learned even more of what to be looking for in Tinker.
The Following information is from Cushing’s Disease Breakthroughs By Michael Dole. It's an E-book entirely devoted to Cushing's and how to work through it.
The following is a list of common Cushing's symptoms. The fun part is that symptoms do not appear all at once and often mimic old age. These symptoms are also present in other diseases making an accurate diagnosis even more difficult.
I spoke with Dr. Haver directly today and Tink's age is not on her side. He shared that there are other possibilities that could be causing these symptoms including diabetes or her kidneys. Treating Cushing's is a "full time job" according to Dr. Haver. Sometimes treatment is very effective but other times it is not. It is costly both with time and money and it is filled with trial and error. I wanted him to tell me what he would do in our situation, but unfortunately, I couldn't squeak it out of him. What I did get was an honest conversation and as a result we have a starting point to begin with Miss Tink.
There are several testing options for Cushing's but most of them are time consuming and will be very taxing on Tink. I don't want to put Tink through an 8 hour day of testing and blood work if I can avoid it. Tomorrow morning I will be bringing a urine sample for a Urine Cortisol/Creatinine Ratio Test. This test is a screening tool as it will not say that she has Cushing's but it will either effectively rule it out (causing us to look at Diabetes or her kidneys) or rule it in (causing us to look at Cushing's or other diseases that cause these symptoms.)
I need to take first things first and not get ahead of myself with all of this. My main goal is to keep Tink comfortable and pain free. She is getting as much attention and love and care as Nick and I can give her. Our main goal around the house is to spoil her as much as is humanly possible. I will not put her through painful and taxing treatments at her age. I appreciated Dr. Haver's candid way of discussing our options and I know after this first test we'll have another discussion about our options when slightly more information is known. If it's not Cushing's it could be diabetes and Dr. Haver had a much better outlook on treating Diabetes than treating Cushing's Disease. However, he did say he has treated several dogs with Cushing's; some successfully and some not successfully.
We'll know more when this first screening comes back....meanwhile, Tink is still happy when I come home, she loves her food, and has been walking and snuggling ok too. (but doesn't get comfy in the evenings or at night as easily.)
It seems like every other day there is something going on. I've realized though, that if i'm going to foster and work with the older dogs that I need to get used to this and develop some healthy coping strategies to effectively work through all that will come our way. I love Tink so much and the thought of her not being comfortable or having something going on in her body that we can help her with is driving me nuts. I do know that the God of the universe orchestrated getting this pretty little lady into our family and He will walk us through all that is to come one step at a time.
More to follow for sure....
I've been avoiding this issue for the most part while blogging, but now it seems like the time has come. I also hesitate to write this because everyone has a different opinion on how things can (or should) be handled. What follows are my current thoughts, feelings, and some knowledge of what is going on. My ideas and plans will change as the information and data we get changes, but my goal is the same: to keep Tink comfortable and pain free.
Some of you know that it looks as if we will be fostering a 10 year old BT mix beginning in mid August. She has just been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. Well, we've been keeping an eye on Tinker for a while for this same disease and while doing some more research for Molly, I have learned even more of what to be looking for in Tinker.
The Following information is from Cushing’s Disease Breakthroughs By Michael Dole. It's an E-book entirely devoted to Cushing's and how to work through it.
The following is a list of common Cushing's symptoms. The fun part is that symptoms do not appear all at once and often mimic old age. These symptoms are also present in other diseases making an accurate diagnosis even more difficult.
- Increased thirst (polydipsia)
- Increased urination (polyuria)
- Loss of urinary control
- Unexplained appetite increase ( polyphagia)-- to some extent, but not extreme
- Aggressiveness around food
- Begging, eating from trash cans, stealing food
- Bloated stomach
- Unexplained weight gain or redistribution of weight
- Unexplained weight loss due to loss of muscle mass
- Pronounced bony look to the head
- Inability to exercise
- Overall weakness
- Weakness of the hind legs
- Unusual panting
- Thinning of the coat and/or baldness patterns
- Dull or excessively dry coat
- Excessively slow hair growth
- Thinning of skin
- Tendency for skin becoming easily damaged
- Excessive wrinkling
- Appearance of patched of dark pigmentation
- Presence of calcified lumps in the skin (calcinosis cutis)
- Frequent skin or urinary infections
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Seizures
I spoke with Dr. Haver directly today and Tink's age is not on her side. He shared that there are other possibilities that could be causing these symptoms including diabetes or her kidneys. Treating Cushing's is a "full time job" according to Dr. Haver. Sometimes treatment is very effective but other times it is not. It is costly both with time and money and it is filled with trial and error. I wanted him to tell me what he would do in our situation, but unfortunately, I couldn't squeak it out of him. What I did get was an honest conversation and as a result we have a starting point to begin with Miss Tink.
There are several testing options for Cushing's but most of them are time consuming and will be very taxing on Tink. I don't want to put Tink through an 8 hour day of testing and blood work if I can avoid it. Tomorrow morning I will be bringing a urine sample for a Urine Cortisol/Creatinine Ratio Test. This test is a screening tool as it will not say that she has Cushing's but it will either effectively rule it out (causing us to look at Diabetes or her kidneys) or rule it in (causing us to look at Cushing's or other diseases that cause these symptoms.)
I need to take first things first and not get ahead of myself with all of this. My main goal is to keep Tink comfortable and pain free. She is getting as much attention and love and care as Nick and I can give her. Our main goal around the house is to spoil her as much as is humanly possible. I will not put her through painful and taxing treatments at her age. I appreciated Dr. Haver's candid way of discussing our options and I know after this first test we'll have another discussion about our options when slightly more information is known. If it's not Cushing's it could be diabetes and Dr. Haver had a much better outlook on treating Diabetes than treating Cushing's Disease. However, he did say he has treated several dogs with Cushing's; some successfully and some not successfully.
We'll know more when this first screening comes back....meanwhile, Tink is still happy when I come home, she loves her food, and has been walking and snuggling ok too. (but doesn't get comfy in the evenings or at night as easily.)
It seems like every other day there is something going on. I've realized though, that if i'm going to foster and work with the older dogs that I need to get used to this and develop some healthy coping strategies to effectively work through all that will come our way. I love Tink so much and the thought of her not being comfortable or having something going on in her body that we can help her with is driving me nuts. I do know that the God of the universe orchestrated getting this pretty little lady into our family and He will walk us through all that is to come one step at a time.
More to follow for sure....
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